Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

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Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies

First Advisor

Ismael Muvingi

Second Advisor

Judith McKay

Third Advisor

Urszula Zanko

Keywords

acceptance of mediation, alternative dispute resolution, awareness of mediation, Caribbean research, case management, communication, conflict resolution, court-related mediation, Eastern Caribbean states, implementation of mediation, information dissemination, judicial systems, litigation alternatives, mediation, mediation adoption, mediation development, mediation training, mediator training workshops, OECS, public awareness, public sector, private sector, Trinidad and Tobago, UWI St. Augustine Campus

Abstract

This research project explored and analyzed the challenges and conflicts surrounding information dissemination and sharing on mediation development in Eastern Caribbean States. The researcher grounded the examination on nine mediation training workshops conducted by the UWI, St Augustine Campus within the OECS. Over a 6-year period 267 persons from private and public sectors were trained. The aim was to equip participants with knowledge of the mediation process, preparing them to join the Court’s roster of mediators. The overarching goal was to facilitate case management in the judicial systems, offer societies alternatives to litigation, while simultaneously reducing the backlog of pending cases within the court. For this initiative to be beneficial, one needed five key components, a) awareness of mediation; b) knowledge of the process; c) acceptance as an alternative to litigation; d) implementation; and e) documentation of proceedings and outcomes. There was some awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the process, since these training programs took place consecutively from 2013 to 2018. However, little to none of the information on trainings conducted during 2013-2018 has been implemented nor located within the public domain, i.e. the basis of this research. The research showed that while information regarding the initial adoption of mediation as a court-related conflict resolution process was disseminated, such communication was not maintained over time. There was insufficient evidence to support any significant buy-in from the general population. The research also confirmed the dearth in literature supporting Caribbean research. The authentication of the reduction of cases, because of mediation usage cannot be validated.

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